STEVE ROBERTS is able to look forward to seeing his young stars progress next season now that Pickering Town’s retained list has been nailed down.

On top of the 10 confirmed last week, Roberts has secured the signatures of another quartet, with Soni Fergus, Adam Warrilow, Jason Barnes and Harry Ord all committing to another term at Mill Lane.

There is a mix of experience and youth in this Pikes side, which will feature next season in the Northern Premier League east division, with the likes of captain Wayne Brooksby to be rubbing shoulders with former Brooklyn juniors Tom Alngohuro and Ben Etherington.

“I’m keen to see their development,” Roberts said of the young pair. “They’re local Malton lads, which is important.

“We’re obviously really pleased to get Wayne Brooksby back as captain,” he continued. “Ben Clappison, Jack Johnson, Jordan Deacey - we’re pleased to get a nice core to work with.

“We’re now looking at getting new faces to add to that group, which is ongoing.

“I’m looking forward to getting back going pre-season.”

And pre-season will be a welcome opportunity to get players back on the field after a Covid-disrupted 2020/21 campaign.

Dylan Muggeson-Forbes, Luke Balderson, Jake Watson and Fergus are all players whom Roberts saw flashes of, and whom he is pleased to be able to work with again.

“I like seeing players progress,” Roberts enthused, adding of Barnes: “I think the short spell he had last season has done him the world of good. I think he can get better and he will get better.

“I think it’s going to be a big season for him. I’m hoping he can push on and show signs of what he did show last season.

“He’s good around the club too. He’s a good lad to deal with, his attitude’s really good, so I’m looking forward to having him around again.”

Roberts added: “Young players have good games and bad games but that’s part of development.”